Marcus Rashford set to join Barcelona on a permanent deal after the season ends

Rashford has impressed since joining Barcelona on loan in the summer of 2025. At the halfway point of the season, he has recorded seven goals and 11 assists across 26 appearances. Under head coach Hansi Flick, the England international has rediscovered a level of form he struggled to maintain during his period at Manchester United.

His performances have inevitably fuelled speculation about his long-term future. Some reports suggested Rashford could be given another opportunity at Barcelona, while others claimed a potential return to Manchester United, particularly following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Sources have indicated that the decision to send Rashford out on loan was taken by United’s hierarchy rather than Amorim, opening the door for a permanent move away from his boyhood club.

Barcelona now appear to have reached a clear stance. Romano reported that the Catalan side are planning to open negotiations with Manchester United to secure Rashford’s signature. His current buyout clause is believed to be worth around £26 million but is not mandatory, allowing Barcelona to negotiate a lower fee, potentially in the region of £20 million.

Rashford has been informed of the club’s intention and is said to be delighted with his experience in Spain so far. He previously expressed a desire to remain at Barcelona beyond the end of his loan, and if an agreement can be reached between the two clubs, he is expected to stay at the Camp Nou next season.

Despite his strong overall contribution, Rashford has found regular starts harder to come by in recent weeks. After missing a late-November 2025 match against Athletic Bilbao due to a fever, he has completed the full 90 minutes in only two matches. More often, he has been used as a substitute, including in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, where Barcelona thrashed Athletic Bilbao 5–0.

Barcelona are set to face Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final, with the match scheduled for 2:00 AM on January 12 (GMT+7) at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Following standout semi-final performances from Fermín López and Roony Bardghji, Rashford is expected to begin the final on the bench once again.